ALPENA — Community leaders, businesses, organizations, and residents across Northeast Michigan have successfully raised all necessary funding to send the Alpena High School Underwater Robotics Team to the 2026 MATE World Championship in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

The achievement comes after an overwhelming show of support following the team’s qualification for the international underwater robotics competition, where students will

represent Alpena and Northeast Michigan on the world stage June 25-27.

The Alpena High School Underwater Robotics Team earned its place at the world championship through excellence in engineering design, systems integration, programming, and problem-solving. The MATE (Marine Advanced Technology Education) competition challenges students to design and operate remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs) capable of completing complex real-world marine industry, environmental, scientific, and engineering tasks.

Thanks to contributions from throughout the community and the Economic Generator Network’s (EGN) $1-for-$1 community challenge grant initiative, organizers confirmed that all monies required for the team’s travel, lodging, registration, equipment transportation, and competition expenses have now been secured.

“This incredible community response demonstrates how much Northeast Michigan believes in its students and their future,” representatives of the Economic Generator Network said. “These young innovators have already proven they can compete at a worldclass level, and our region stepped forward to ensure they have that opportunity.”

Community leaders say the accomplishment reflects the region’s growing emphasis on STEM education, technical talent development, and innovation.

“These students are demonstrating advanced technical capability, creativity, and teamwork that align directly with the future workforce needs of our region,” EGN representatives added. “Their success highlights the innovation potential that exists right here in Alpena.”

The robotics team expressed gratitude for the extraordinary support received from donors, businesses, foundations, educators, families, and community members.

“The support from the Alpena community and beyond has been absolutely overwhelming,” shared members of the robotics team. “Because of this generosity, our team can now focus fully on preparing for the 2026 MATE World Championship. We are truly grateful to everyone who helped make this possible.”

Organizers noted that any additional contributions received beyond immediate competition expenses may continue supporting student innovation initiatives, including future robotics development, technical training opportunities, and advancement of technologies created through the program.

Supporters also emphasized the broader long-term impact of programs like underwater robotics, which help cultivate future engineers, entrepreneurs, innovators, and skilled professionals who may ultimately contribute to economic growth and business development across Northeast Michigan.

More information about the Economic Generator Network can be found at: https://economicgenerator.org/

More information about the MATE ROV Competition can be found at: https://materovcompetition.org/world-championship.